Adderall

Why is this medication prescribed?

The combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine is used as part of a total treatment program for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works in the brain to decrease the hyperactivity of patients with this disorder.

This medicine is also used to treat narcolepsy, a condition in which people fall asleep at inappropriate times, such as when driving or eating. The drug works by causing stimulation in the brain, making it easier to stay awake. People with normal sleep patterns should not use this medication to stay awake.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

The combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice daily with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take dextroamphetamine and amphetamine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Dextroamphetamine and amphetamine can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or take it for a longer time than your doctor tells you to. Tolerance may develop with long-term or excessive use, making the drug less effective.

This medication must be taken regularly to be effective. Do not skip doses even if you feel that you do not need them. Abruptly stopping this drug can worsen your condition and cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiousness, sleeplessness, and irritability. Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking dextroamphetamine and amphetamine,tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially ammonium chloride; ascorbic acid; glutamic acid; sodium bicarbonate; MAO inhibitors such as phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate), even if you stopped taking them in the last 2 weeks; guanethidine (Ismelin); medications for depression such as amitriptyline (Elavil), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Adapin, Sinequan), impramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), protriptyline (Vivactil), and trimipramine (Surmontil); reserpine; medications for epilepsy such as ethosuximide (Zarontin), phenobarbital, and phenytoin (Dilantin); beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or other medications used to treat heart disease; diuretics (‘water pills’) such as acetazolamide (Diamox); haloperidol (Haldol); chlorpromazine (Ormazine, Thorazine); medications for high blood pressure (‘blood pressure pills’); antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril), and promethazine (Phenergan, Anergan, Phenazine); lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith); meperidine (Demerol); propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvon-N, Dolene); and herbal products or vitamins.The combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine affects the action of other medications, and many medications can affect the action of this medication. Tell your doctor and pharmacist everything you are taking.

tell your doctor about any unusual behavior; dextroamphetamine and amphetamine can worsen behavior disturbances and thought disorders in children with psychotic illnesses.

tell your doctor if you have or have ever had an overactive thyroid gland; high blood pressure; cardiovascular disease; angina; glaucoma; a history of drug abuse, depression, or mental illness; or Tourette’s syndrome.

tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, call your doctor immediately.

you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for your missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from dextroamphetamine and amphetamine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

nervousness

restlessness

difficulty falling or staying asleep

false feeling of well-being

feeling of unpleasantness

dizziness

tremor

difficulty coordinating movements

headache

inability to have or maintain an erection in males

changes in sex drive

dry mouth

diarrhea

constipation

loss of appetite

weight loss

bad taste in mouth

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

fast or irregular heartbeat

fast or irregular breathing

hallucinations

red, itchy skin rash

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from light and excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Keep all your appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to determine your response to dextroamphetamine and amphetamine.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.